Jump to content

Recommended Posts

9 hours ago, Kaur72 said:

If this is right thn why it’s written in Guru Granth Sahib ji about reincarnation, jam doots, chitar gupt. I believe that we do take birth again and again.. I’ve came across so many times about doots and reincarnation from Guru Granth Sahib ji. 

I am glad you are right Kaur Pen Jee.

The guy in the video is quite confused, though as we can see he quotes verses from Gurbani, but are totally out of context, thus devoid of truth in his interpretations.

It is good you pointed out the mistakes, it is not that I agreed with this guy in the video, but I just wanted to highlight that though some may talk as "gyanis", but themselves are deluded,  so we should listen and see carefully what they say, and not accept whatsoever  from them, without analyzing thoroughly.

The only thing which I see that this guy may want to say, though he does not convey so, it is that, he wants to impress supreme importance on this our present human life form, in order to make the most of it with bhakti and morality, for we do not know, when shall we get this blessed life form again, if we slip from this human form to the other life forms  in the chaurasee ka chakar.

Sat Sree Akal.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

 

image.png.ef19cf40b84394029cf6eca5bb90ca6a.png

 

 

EARLY YEARS

About 481 years ago, in the village of Basarke, about 8 miles from Amritsar, a son was born on May 5,1479, to a trader, Sree Tej Bhan Bhalla and his wife, Rup Kaur.

The child was named Amardas. He was the eldest in the family of four brothers. Armadas’ parents had a religious bent of mind and spent a lot of time in religious and charitable activities. In this pious environment, the child developed remarkable interest in holy activities.

Encouraged by the kins, he visited saints on the outskirts of the village, and served them with pleasure. In due 'course, Amardas became familiar with the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Puranic literature and features of Hindu religion. He grew up to be a young man of religious temperament. Since he was a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi he ‘visited the pilgrimage places of all faith.

 

Schooling

During that time education was imparted by maulvis and mullahs. Due to the predominant influence of Islam classes were held in the mosque. Urdu and Persian were the two languages which were taught, but pandits were engaged to teach Hindi to Hindu students.

Even though there is no evidence to suggest that Amardas attended these classes, but traces of Urdu, Persian, Hindi and Sanskrit expressions in Bani composed by the Guru, show his acquaintances with these two languages. Stress was laid on physical education in those days.

These habits of childhood were evident even in old age when Bhai Amardas made a conscious effort to start pathshalas for teaching Gurmukhi and Akharas for the physical education.

Marriage at the age of about twenty-four he was married to Ram Kaur, daughter of Shri Devi Chand, who belonged to the village of Sankhatra in Sialkot district.

Ram Kaur was a God-fearing woman who believed in carrying out religious duties. She proved an apt partner for the Guru. She helped her husband in carrying out social work for the community and even in organizing festivals and ceremonies.

The couple was blessed with two sons, Mohan and Mohri, and two daughters Dani and Bhani.

 

SEARCH FOR THE GURU

Once his sons grew up Amardas had ample time to pursue his religious activities. Although a man of profound knowledge of religious philosophy, his thirst to gain a better insight into life compelled him to search for a Guru. He adopted various paths in quest of one like fasting, living in the company of sadhus, etc. He even observed the penances performed by the yogis and hermits, attended the sermons and discourses delivered by pandits, and also visited holy men engaged in meditation in solitary caverns. Even though he held them in high esteem and valued their religious activities, they did not appeal to him as a Guru.

Meeting with Pandit Bhai Amardas religiously visited Hardwar once a year for the holy dip in the. river Ganges. On one such trip he came in contact with a monk called Brahmachari.  

Similar interest in religion brought them together. On their 'return journey they stopped at the house of Durga Pandit, in the village of Mehre. When Bhai Amardas was resting Durga Pandit, an astrologer by profession, noticed Padam Rekha, that is lines shaped in the form of a lotus, on the palms and the soles of Bhai Amardas.

The learned Pandit wondered at the interpretation of these lines, as the old man of sixty appeared to be a poor pilgrim, while the lines indicated his fate to be that of a Chakravati king or a saint of supreme type.

The Pandit spoke out loudly that the rekhas must bring their fruit. The sound woke Bhai Amardas. He smiled at the Pandit's prediction and offered some money as dakshina. Pandit promised to accept dakshina when his prediction would come true.

Next day, Bhai Amardas and the Brahmachari left for Basarke. They reached in a couple of weeks. Bhai Armadas’ family welcomed them warmly. The Brahmachari stayed as a guest, and enjoyed the hospitality of Bhai Amardas.

One day, the monk asked Bhai Amardas about his Guru who had taught him such wisdom and piety. Amardas was silent for a while, and then said he had no guru but he was in search of one.

Instead of guiding or sympathizing with his friend the monk lamented that he had eaten from the hands of a man who had no Guru!

Before Amardas could pacify the guest, he left the house without his belongings.

This incident greatly troubled Amardas, and it kindled a new desire to find a Guru.

The Search for the Guru ends Amardas was troubled by this incident and was unable to find solace for a long time. Though he would carry out various religious rituals and ceremonies dutifully, he still felt dissatisfied and incomplete. His mind was always restless as if desperately seeking something. He felt lifeless. He wanted a Guru, a teacher who could guide him spiritually, and help him resolve the inner conflicts that plagued him.

He was looking for peace of mind, and he knew that only a true Guru could show him the right path. One day, as he was lying on his bed, he heard a sweet and melodious voice rendering some beautiful hymns.

He woke up with a start. He found himself being drawn to the hymns. He walked towards the voice singing those enchanting hymns. As he went closer and closer, the voice became louder and louder. He had this feeling, this wonderful feeling that his search for solace was coming to an end. As he approached the lake, he found Guru Angad's daughter, Bibi Amro, singing those hymns. He asked her what she was singing and who had taught her such beautiful hymns.

Bibi Amro, who used to sing hymns daily after her morning bath, was surprised at the question asked by her uncle in-law.

She informed him that they were devotional hymns that had been composed by Guru Nanak, and she had learnt them from her father, Guru Angad. She was made to recite these hymns every day, after her morning bath, as it cleansed the mind and the soul.

Amardas knew that he had found his Guru.

So deeply moved was he by the holy verses that he could feel that they were the words, the thoughts of the one who would become his spiritual guide for life. He requested Bibi Amro to take him to Guru Angad right away.

Touched by his humble request, Bibi Amro arranged a meeting for him with her father. The very next morning, she accompanied Amardas to Khadur, to visit her father. Khadur was a rural area in Amritsar.

When Guru Angad was made the second Guru of the Sikhs, he had been asked by Guru Nanak to stay there and establish a settlement in that small district.

When they reached the Guru's house," Guru Angad rose to greet the sixty-one-year-old man from his daughter-in-Iaws´ house.

But Amardas immediately came forward, went down on his knees and touched Guru Angad's feet, even though he was twenty years his senior.

Seeing this, Guru Angad was surprised as was everyone else.

But Amardas humbly asked Guru Angad to accept him as his disciple and bless him. He requested the Guru not to think of him as a relative or even as a man older to him in years. Instead, he asked the Guru to take him under his wings and show him the right path.

One look at the saintly face of Guru Angad, and Amardas knew that this was the teacher he had been looking for.

The angelic face of the Guru was so captivating that Amardas could not take his eyes off him. He felt very peaceful and serene in the Guru's presence. And now that he had found him, he was never going to let go.

He pleaded with Guru Angad to accept him as his Sikh.

Guru Angad smiled as he noticed his perseverance and keenness. Then he gently lifted him by the shoulders and accepted him as his new disciple.

So overjoyed and touched was Amardas, that he began to cry, and thanked Guru Angad for giving him the honor of serving him.

Guru Angad then applied the tilak on Armadas’ forehead and welcomed him to the Sikh community. From that day on, Amardas began living in Khadur, devoting himself completely to his Guru's service.

He felt rejuvenated and alive as though he had been reborn. He derived great pleasure and satisfaction from serving the Guru in any way he could, and despite his age he never felt tired and weary.

He began to look after Guru Angad's needs and requirements personally, and was involved in all the Guru's spiritual activities. He worked all day in the Guru-ka-Iangar, helping out in cooking the food and serving it to the hundreds of people who came to eat. He served everyone with equal love and dedication, regardless of their background.

This endeared him greatly to the poor who came there to be fed by him. He loved the daily prayers and would listen intently as the Guru preached to the whole Sikh community. He would wake up very early in the morning to fetch water for the Guru's bath.

He never once shirked from his responsibilities, and did all his work with utmost dedication.

 

Life at Khadur

 

Bhai Armadas’ day began before dawn each day. First, he would walk down to the river Beas, about 5 kms away, and fetch water for the Guru. No adverse weather conditions deterred his activities. Later he participated in reciting hymns in praise of God, served the langar, cleaned utensils, and took his simple meal. He stayed at Khadur doing odd services. His duties went on till late in the night. Only when the Guru was comfortably in bed would Bhai Amardas leave for Goindwal. This routine continued for twelve years.

 

SERVICE TO THE GURU

There were many occasions where Bhai Amardas proved his selflessness and devotion to his Guru. One such Incident occurred when a very wealthy devotee of Guru Angad came to pay his respects. At the meeting, the visitor presented him with a dress which was made of a very fine material. At that time, Guru Angad had developed a sore in his foot, which was bleeding. While Guru Angad was admiring the dress, a drop of blood happened to stain the cloth. The Guru then asked Bhai Amardas to take it to the washer man and have it cleaned.

When the washer man saw the blood stain, he refused to wash it saying that washing would ruin the delicate cloth. When Bhai Amardas heard this, he was really annoyed, as he knew that Guru Angad had indeed taken a liking to that dress. Not knowing any other way, he washed away the blood stain from the dress himself, without any sense of disgust.

When it was cleaned, he brought it back to Guru Angad. The Guru who had observed the whole incident was really touched by his humble and selfless act. At this, Bhai Amardas humbly folded his hands and said that by cleaning the cloth of its stain, his mind too had been washed clean of all the impurities. Hearing this, Guru Angad blessed Bhai Amardas.

Blessings of Guru Angad

In fact, there were many incidents like this that had helped Guru Angad make up his mind about who his real successor would be. He had often put his various disciples to test and each time Bhai Amardas surpassed everyone in his service, devotion and humility.

Guru Angad became more and more convinced that Bhai Amardas was indeed the right choice for a Guru. However, the test that finally made the choice clear to all was conducted by the Guru, one stormy night. It was a terrifying night since the wind was blowing wildly and the rain was pouring heavily. No one dared to venture out in such a weather, when thunder and lightning seemed to wreak havoc everywhere.

Around this time, Guru Angad asked for some water. He called out to his sons, but none of them heard him. He called out again, but they pretended not to hear.

The Guru then shook them and woke them up. He asked for either one of them to get him some water to drink. After the sons got up grumbling about being woken up at an unseemly hour, they found that there was no water in the house. They informed their father about it and were about to get back to bed, when Guru Angad asked them to get the water from the river. The sons almost fell off the bed and expressed their horror at being asked to venture out on a nightlike this!

 But the Guru persisted, saying that his throat was dry. The sons refused and went back to bed. Bhai Amardas, who had been watching the whole incident, came forward and sought permission from the Guru to fetch the water for him. But Guru Angad refused, saying that he was too old for such a work and he would not allow him to go.

But Bhai Amardas would not hear of it, and begged permission to go. And then, touching Guru Angad's feet, he set out to fetch some water. He placed the pitcher on his head and walked towards the river. It was a dark and rainy night and the wind was blowing furiously.

Bhai Amardas kept reciting the holy hymns and quickly fined the pitcher on reaching the river. It was so dark that night that Bhai Amardas could not find his way back to the Guru's house. And yet, he moved on while groping in the dark. On the way, he happened to pass by a weaver's house. He could see nothing in the dark, and suddenly, his foot hit against a peg and he fell into the hole in the-weaver's loom.

He was hurt by the fall. On hearing the thud, the weaver's wife woke up and came out with a lamp to check what it was. When she saw Bhai Amardas, she immediately recognised him and in a grumbling tone remarked that only Guru Angad could be so insensitive as to send one of his very old disciples out for water on a night like this.

This remark angered Bhai Amardas. He would have calmly heard any complaint made against him, but he could not bear to hear anything said against the Guru. He immediately retorted that she must really be out of her mind to speak ill of the Guru. Saying this, he went on his way with his pitcher full of water.

When Guru Angad came to know of this incident, he called Bhai Amardas to his side and embraced him. He then openly declared that he was nominating Amardas as his successor. He declared that nobody had all the virtues that were expected of a Guru, except Amardas. He said that only this devotee possessed the qualities of devotion, humility, and selfless service, that made Him worthy of becoming the next Guru.

He praised the new Guru for the service he had rendered him, and acknowledged it by conferring the robe of honor, known as 'Saropa' on him.

The Guru then blessed his disciple and proclaimed that henceforth, Bhai Amardas would be the home for the homeless, the strength for the weak.

He would be the new spiritual leader of the Sikhs.

 

Non-Violence

Once there were no rains. The crops withered and the tanks went dry. The zamindars of Khadur approached a bairagi who claimed to have occult powers to bring rains. The bairagi took this opportunity to get rid of his rival, Guru Angad. He agreed to perform only on condition that the Guru should be asked to leave the village.

Guru Angad left Khadur immediately. The bairagi performed the rituals but it did not rain. At that time Bhai Amardas was not in Khadur. When Amardas came to know about the incident he was beyond himself with rage. He agreed to help the zamindar on the condition that if he was successful in his mission, then the bairagi should be treated with slaps, shoes, and buffets, and thrown out of the village.

The villagers agreed.

Bhai Amardas prayed to God, and rain fell cooling the heated earth. The zamindars carried out their promise. Then they went to Guru Angad asking for forgiveness and begged him to return to Khadur. Guru Angad was very unhappy with Bhai Amardas for using his miraculous powers.

Such powers according to him intervene in the will of God. Bhai Amardas repented his deed and asked for pardon. He then promised not to use violent means henceforth. The Guru granted pardon, and returned to Khadur.

Under Guru Angad, Amardas grasped the spirit of true religion. Once Bhai Amardas, during a course of talks, requested the Guru to reserve the Guru's gaddi for his eldest son, little knowing that he himself was the first choice of the Guru.

The Guru replied that only the most deserving would get it. When Guru Angad, the second Guru, foresaw his death, he appointed Bhai Amardas as his successor.

He 'sent for five copper coins and a coconut, and washed Amardas with his own hands, put new clothes on him and installed him in the Guru's seat. He placed the five copper coins and the coconut before him and asked Bhai Budha to apply tilak on his forehead.

Thus, Bhai Amardas became the worthy successor of the throne of Guru Nanak. Amardas was a tall, sturdy old man-a symbol of love and labor. He had a knot of silver hair on top and white beard flowing down like a beam of moonlight.

He was seventy-three years old at the time. He lived in great simplicity save for two single sets of clothes, he gave away all his other possessions. The place where Guru Armadas’ appointment took place is called Thara Sahib.

A gurdwara has been built there.

 

THE GURU´S REFORMS

Once Akbar camped at Lahore. He stayed there for more than a year. He had a large army with him which had to be fed. As a result, the prices of food grains and eatables went up. When he decided to leave Lahore for Agra, Guru Amardas feared that the prices of food grains will crash and peasants will suffer greatly. To pay land tax would be difficult for them. When Emperor Akbar met the Guru, he pointed out the difficulties of the farmers. Akbar immediately decided not to levy land tax that year. That good deed helped many peasants.

 Guru's idea of serving food in the community kitchen had a very deep meaning. It was a great leveler between rich and poor, high caste and low caste. All dined together without any distinction.

Guru did not encourage the idea of hoarding. The food was cooked for each meal, utensils emptied completely at the end and cleaned before cooking began for the next meal. Community welfare was commended not hoarding. If food was left over then cows, horses, bulls and the buffaloes were fed. If anything, still remained the disciples took it to the river, and feasted the fish with it.

Through actions Guru conveyed that food should be eaten for nutrition and health. It should be clean, health promoting and obtained through just and fair means.

Equality to Women:

Guru Amardas preached against superstitions and social evils. He advocated that no women should come to the sangat with her face veiled. When the king of Haripur visited the Guru, his queens were all veiled. He discouraged this custom openly in the presence of the king. This way he made an effort to remove purdah system among women.

Sati Abolished:

In those days, sati was a common practice. Women used to burn themselves in the pyres of their husbands. Guru chalked out a vigorous campaign against this practice. He said sati is an insult to human dignity, and should be condemned. Through Guru's efforts women began to receive the respect and honor they deserved.

During his tenure as Guru, Amardas made many reforms for the community. They were as follows: one must avoid evil company, one should not be conceited and should not glorify oneself. One should eat and work according to one's capacity. One must give a little of one's earnings in charity. One should associate with virtuous people. Thus, Guru advised clean living, and serving people in a spirit of humility and devotion to God.

One day, Bhai Budha felt bad seeing the Guru eat coarse bread, while the people were always feasting on the langar.

The Guru replied, Bhai Budha, there is no difference between me and my people. l eat with their mouth whatever you give them.

That is my sustenance, and not this coarse bread only. Amardas loved his people and tried very hard to look after them.

 

Spreading of Fragrance.

 Guru Amardas had given authority and power to one hundred and forty-six of his apostles to go to various parts of the country, and spread the message of the Gurus. Out of the which ninety-four were men and fifty-two were women. The women acted as mothers to the orphans and protectors of many poor girls deserted by cruel husbands. Everyone in need and distress called upon them.

 

Bibi Bhani

 Bibi Bhani was the youngest daughter of Guru Amardas. From her early childhood, she used to recite the Guru's hymns and sit alone in meditation. Later on, she helped in the Guru's kitchen.

Even after marriage she looked after the comforts of her father.

 

Songs for the Lord

Guru Amardas contributed nine hundred and seven hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, all of which were written between the age of seventy-three and ninety-five.

Guru Armadas’ achievements during his tenure are considerable. By this time the Sikhs had emerged as a distinctive community.

The Guru's teachings were as simple as his way of life. The community was delighted to see Guru Nanak's umbrella over Armadas’ head.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, harsharan000 said:

 

image.png.ef19cf40b84394029cf6eca5bb90ca6a.png

 

 

 

EARLY YEARS

 

About 481 years ago, in the village of Basarke, about 8 miles from Amritsar, a son was born on May 5,1479, to a trader, Sree Tej Bhan Bhalla and his wife, Rup Kaur.

 

The child was named Amardas. He was the eldest in the family of four brothers. Armadas’ parents had a religious bent of mind and spent a lot of time in religious and charitable activities. In this pious environment, the child developed remarkable interest in holy activities.

 

Encouraged by the kins, he visited saints on the outskirts of the village, and served them with pleasure. In due 'course, Amardas became familiar with the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Puranic literature and features of Hindu religion. He grew up to be a young man of religious temperament. Since he was a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi he ‘visited the pilgrimage places of all faith.

 

 

 

Schooling

During that time education was imparted by maulvis and mullahs. Due to the predominant influence of Islam classes were held in the mosque. Urdu and Persian were the two languages which were taught, but pandits were engaged to teach Hindi to Hindu students.

 

Even though there is no evidence to suggest that Amardas attended these classes, but traces of Urdu, Persian, Hindi and Sanskrit expressions in Bani composed by the Guru, show his acquaintances with these two languages. Stress was laid on physical education in those days.

 

These habits of childhood were evident even in old age when Bhai Amardas made a conscious effort to start pathshalas for teaching Gurmukhi and Akharas for the physical education.

 

Marriage at the age of about twenty-four he was married to Ram Kaur, daughter of Shri Devi Chand, who belonged to the village of Sankhatra in Sialkot district.

 

Ram Kaur was a God-fearing woman who believed in carrying out religious duties. She proved an apt partner for the Guru. She helped her husband in carrying out social work for the community and even in organizing festivals and ceremonies.

 

The couple was blessed with two sons, Mohan and Mohri, and two daughters Dani and Bhani.

 

 

 

SEARCH FOR THE GURU

 

Once his sons grew up Amardas had ample time to pursue his religious activities. Although a man of profound knowledge of religious philosophy, his thirst to gain a better insight into life compelled him to search for a Guru. He adopted various paths in quest of one like fasting, living in the company of sadhus, etc. He even observed the penances performed by the yogis and hermits, attended the sermons and discourses delivered by pandits, and also visited holy men engaged in meditation in solitary caverns. Even though he held them in high esteem and valued their religious activities, they did not appeal to him as a Guru.

 

Meeting with Pandit Bhai Amardas religiously visited Hardwar once a year for the holy dip in the. river Ganges. On one such trip he came in contact with a monk called Brahmachari.  

 

Similar interest in religion brought them together. On their 'return journey they stopped at the house of Durga Pandit, in the village of Mehre. When Bhai Amardas was resting Durga Pandit, an astrologer by profession, noticed Padam Rekha, that is lines shaped in the form of a lotus, on the palms and the soles of Bhai Amardas.

 

The learned Pandit wondered at the interpretation of these lines, as the old man of sixty appeared to be a poor pilgrim, while the lines indicated his fate to be that of a Chakravati king or a saint of supreme type.

 

The Pandit spoke out loudly that the rekhas must bring their fruit. The sound woke Bhai Amardas. He smiled at the Pandit's prediction and offered some money as dakshina. Pandit promised to accept dakshina when his prediction would come true.

 

Next day, Bhai Amardas and the Brahmachari left for Basarke. They reached in a couple of weeks. Bhai Armadas’ family welcomed them warmly. The Brahmachari stayed as a guest, and enjoyed the hospitality of Bhai Amardas.

 

One day, the monk asked Bhai Amardas about his Guru who had taught him such wisdom and piety. Amardas was silent for a while, and then said he had no guru but he was in search of one.

 

Instead of guiding or sympathizing with his friend the monk lamented that he had eaten from the hands of a man who had no Guru!

 

Before Amardas could pacify the guest, he left the house without his belongings.

 

This incident greatly troubled Amardas, and it kindled a new desire to find a Guru.

 

The Search for the Guru ends Amardas was troubled by this incident and was unable to find solace for a long time. Though he would carry out various religious rituals and ceremonies dutifully, he still felt dissatisfied and incomplete. His mind was always restless as if desperately seeking something. He felt lifeless. He wanted a Guru, a teacher who could guide him spiritually, and help him resolve the inner conflicts that plagued him.

 

He was looking for peace of mind, and he knew that only a true Guru could show him the right path. One day, as he was lying on his bed, he heard a sweet and melodious voice rendering some beautiful hymns.

 

He woke up with a start. He found himself being drawn to the hymns. He walked towards the voice singing those enchanting hymns. As he went closer and closer, the voice became louder and louder. He had this feeling, this wonderful feeling that his search for solace was coming to an end. As he approached the lake, he found Guru Angad's daughter, Bibi Amro, singing those hymns. He asked her what she was singing and who had taught her such beautiful hymns.

 

Bibi Amro, who used to sing hymns daily after her morning bath, was surprised at the question asked by her uncle in-law.

 

She informed him that they were devotional hymns that had been composed by Guru Nanak, and she had learnt them from her father, Guru Angad. She was made to recite these hymns every day, after her morning bath, as it cleansed the mind and the soul.

 

Amardas knew that he had found his Guru.

 

So deeply moved was he by the holy verses that he could feel that they were the words, the thoughts of the one who would become his spiritual guide for life. He requested Bibi Amro to take him to Guru Angad right away.

 

Touched by his humble request, Bibi Amro arranged a meeting for him with her father. The very next morning, she accompanied Amardas to Khadur, to visit her father. Khadur was a rural area in Amritsar.

 

When Guru Angad was made the second Guru of the Sikhs, he had been asked by Guru Nanak to stay there and establish a settlement in that small district.

 

When they reached the Guru's house," Guru Angad rose to greet the sixty-one-year-old man from his daughter-in-Iaws´ house.

 

But Amardas immediately came forward, went down on his knees and touched Guru Angad's feet, even though he was twenty years his senior.

 

Seeing this, Guru Angad was surprised as was everyone else.

 

But Amardas humbly asked Guru Angad to accept him as his disciple and bless him. He requested the Guru not to think of him as a relative or even as a man older to him in years. Instead, he asked the Guru to take him under his wings and show him the right path.

 

One look at the saintly face of Guru Angad, and Amardas knew that this was the teacher he had been looking for.

 

The angelic face of the Guru was so captivating that Amardas could not take his eyes off him. He felt very peaceful and serene in the Guru's presence. And now that he had found him, he was never going to let go.

 

He pleaded with Guru Angad to accept him as his Sikh.

 

Guru Angad smiled as he noticed his perseverance and keenness. Then he gently lifted him by the shoulders and accepted him as his new disciple.

 

So overjoyed and touched was Amardas, that he began to cry, and thanked Guru Angad for giving him the honor of serving him.

 

Guru Angad then applied the tilak on Armadas’ forehead and welcomed him to the Sikh community. From that day on, Amardas began living in Khadur, devoting himself completely to his Guru's service.

 

He felt rejuvenated and alive as though he had been reborn. He derived great pleasure and satisfaction from serving the Guru in any way he could, and despite his age he never felt tired and weary.

 

He began to look after Guru Angad's needs and requirements personally, and was involved in all the Guru's spiritual activities. He worked all day in the Guru-ka-Iangar, helping out in cooking the food and serving it to the hundreds of people who came to eat. He served everyone with equal love and dedication, regardless of their background.

 

This endeared him greatly to the poor who came there to be fed by him. He loved the daily prayers and would listen intently as the Guru preached to the whole Sikh community. He would wake up very early in the morning to fetch water for the Guru's bath.

 

He never once shirked from his responsibilities, and did all his work with utmost dedication.

 

 

 

Life at Khadur

 

 

 

Bhai Armadas’ day began before dawn each day. First, he would walk down to the river Beas, about 5 kms away, and fetch water for the Guru. No adverse weather conditions deterred his activities. Later he participated in reciting hymns in praise of God, served the langar, cleaned utensils, and took his simple meal. He stayed at Khadur doing odd services. His duties went on till late in the night. Only when the Guru was comfortably in bed would Bhai Amardas leave for Goindwal. This routine continued for twelve years.

 

 

 

SERVICE TO THE GURU

 

There were many occasions where Bhai Amardas proved his selflessness and devotion to his Guru. One such Incident occurred when a very wealthy devotee of Guru Angad came to pay his respects. At the meeting, the visitor presented him with a dress which was made of a very fine material. At that time, Guru Angad had developed a sore in his foot, which was bleeding. While Guru Angad was admiring the dress, a drop of blood happened to stain the cloth. The Guru then asked Bhai Amardas to take it to the washer man and have it cleaned.

 

When the washer man saw the blood stain, he refused to wash it saying that washing would ruin the delicate cloth. When Bhai Amardas heard this, he was really annoyed, as he knew that Guru Angad had indeed taken a liking to that dress. Not knowing any other way, he washed away the blood stain from the dress himself, without any sense of disgust.

 

When it was cleaned, he brought it back to Guru Angad. The Guru who had observed the whole incident was really touched by his humble and selfless act. At this, Bhai Amardas humbly folded his hands and said that by cleaning the cloth of its stain, his mind too had been washed clean of all the impurities. Hearing this, Guru Angad blessed Bhai Amardas.

 

 

Blessings of Guru Angad

 

In fact, there were many incidents like this that had helped Guru Angad make up his mind about who his real successor would be. He had often put his various disciples to test and each time Bhai Amardas surpassed everyone in his service, devotion and humility.

 

Guru Angad became more and more convinced that Bhai Amardas was indeed the right choice for a Guru. However, the test that finally made the choice clear to all was conducted by the Guru, one stormy night. It was a terrifying night since the wind was blowing wildly and the rain was pouring heavily. No one dared to venture out in such a weather, when thunder and lightning seemed to wreak havoc everywhere.

 

Around this time, Guru Angad asked for some water. He called out to his sons, but none of them heard him. He called out again, but they pretended not to hear.

 

The Guru then shook them and woke them up. He asked for either one of them to get him some water to drink. After the sons got up grumbling about being woken up at an unseemly hour, they found that there was no water in the house. They informed their father about it and were about to get back to bed, when Guru Angad asked them to get the water from the river. The sons almost fell off the bed and expressed their horror at being asked to venture out on a nightlike this!

 

 But the Guru persisted, saying that his throat was dry. The sons refused and went back to bed. Bhai Amardas, who had been watching the whole incident, came forward and sought permission from the Guru to fetch the water for him. But Guru Angad refused, saying that he was too old for such a work and he would not allow him to go.

 

But Bhai Amardas would not hear of it, and begged permission to go. And then, touching Guru Angad's feet, he set out to fetch some water. He placed the pitcher on his head and walked towards the river. It was a dark and rainy night and the wind was blowing furiously.

 

Bhai Amardas kept reciting the holy hymns and quickly fined the pitcher on reaching the river. It was so dark that night that Bhai Amardas could not find his way back to the Guru's house. And yet, he moved on while groping in the dark. On the way, he happened to pass by a weaver's house. He could see nothing in the dark, and suddenly, his foot hit against a peg and he fell into the hole in the-weaver's loom.

 

He was hurt by the fall. On hearing the thud, the weaver's wife woke up and came out with a lamp to check what it was. When she saw Bhai Amardas, she immediately recognised him and in a grumbling tone remarked that only Guru Angad could be so insensitive as to send one of his very old disciples out for water on a night like this.

 

This remark angered Bhai Amardas. He would have calmly heard any complaint made against him, but he could not bear to hear anything said against the Guru. He immediately retorted that she must really be out of her mind to speak ill of the Guru. Saying this, he went on his way with his pitcher full of water.

 

When Guru Angad came to know of this incident, he called Bhai Amardas to his side and embraced him. He then openly declared that he was nominating Amardas as his successor. He declared that nobody had all the virtues that were expected of a Guru, except Amardas. He said that only this devotee possessed the qualities of devotion, humility, and selfless service, that made Him worthy of becoming the next Guru.

 

He praised the new Guru for the service he had rendered him, and acknowledged it by conferring the robe of honor, known as 'Saropa' on him.

 

The Guru then blessed his disciple and proclaimed that henceforth, Bhai Amardas would be the home for the homeless, the strength for the weak.

 

He would be the new spiritual leader of the Sikhs.

 

 

 

Non-Violence

 

Once there were no rains. The crops withered and the tanks went dry. The zamindars of Khadur approached a bairagi who claimed to have occult powers to bring rains. The bairagi took this opportunity to get rid of his rival, Guru Angad. He agreed to perform only on condition that the Guru should be asked to leave the village.

 

Guru Angad left Khadur immediately. The bairagi performed the rituals but it did not rain. At that time Bhai Amardas was not in Khadur. When Amardas came to know about the incident he was beyond himself with rage. He agreed to help the zamindar on the condition that if he was successful in his mission, then the bairagi should be treated with slaps, shoes, and buffets, and thrown out of the village.

 

The villagers agreed.

 

Bhai Amardas prayed to God, and rain fell cooling the heated earth. The zamindars carried out their promise. Then they went to Guru Angad asking for forgiveness and begged him to return to Khadur. Guru Angad was very unhappy with Bhai Amardas for using his miraculous powers.

 

Such powers according to him intervene in the will of God. Bhai Amardas repented his deed and asked for pardon. He then promised not to use violent means henceforth. The Guru granted pardon, and returned to Khadur.

 

Under Guru Angad, Amardas grasped the spirit of true religion. Once Bhai Amardas, during a course of talks, requested the Guru to reserve the Guru's gaddi for his eldest son, little knowing that he himself was the first choice of the Guru.

 

The Guru replied that only the most deserving would get it. When Guru Angad, the second Guru, foresaw his death, he appointed Bhai Amardas as his successor.

 

He 'sent for five copper coins and a coconut, and washed Amardas with his own hands, put new clothes on him and installed him in the Guru's seat. He placed the five copper coins and the coconut before him and asked Bhai Budha to apply tilak on his forehead.

 

Thus, Bhai Amardas became the worthy successor of the throne of Guru Nanak. Amardas was a tall, sturdy old man-a symbol of love and labor. He had a knot of silver hair on top and white beard flowing down like a beam of moonlight.

 

He was seventy-three years old at the time. He lived in great simplicity save for two single sets of clothes, he gave away all his other possessions. The place where Guru Armadas’ appointment took place is called Thara Sahib.

 

A gurdwara has been built there.

 

 

 

THE GURU´S REFORMS

 

Once Akbar camped at Lahore. He stayed there for more than a year. He had a large army with him which had to be fed. As a result, the prices of food grains and eatables went up. When he decided to leave Lahore for Agra, Guru Amardas feared that the prices of food grains will crash and peasants will suffer greatly. To pay land tax would be difficult for them. When Emperor Akbar met the Guru, he pointed out the difficulties of the farmers. Akbar immediately decided not to levy land tax that year. That good deed helped many peasants.

 

 Guru's idea of serving food in the community kitchen had a very deep meaning. It was a great leveler between rich and poor, high caste and low caste. All dined together without any distinction.

 

Guru did not encourage the idea of hoarding. The food was cooked for each meal, utensils emptied completely at the end and cleaned before cooking began for the next meal. Community welfare was commended not hoarding. If food was left over then cows, horses, bulls and the buffaloes were fed. If anything, still remained the disciples took it to the river, and feasted the fish with it.

 

Through actions Guru conveyed that food should be eaten for nutrition and health. It should be clean, health promoting and obtained through just and fair means.

 

 

Equality to Women:

Guru Amardas preached against superstitions and social evils. He advocated that no women should come to the sangat with her face veiled. When the king of Haripur visited the Guru, his queens were all veiled. He discouraged this custom openly in the presence of the king. This way he made an effort to remove purdah system among women.

 

 

Sati Abolished:

In those days, sati was a common practice. Women used to burn themselves in the pyres of their husbands. Guru chalked out a vigorous campaign against this practice. He said sati is an insult to human dignity, and should be condemned. Through Guru's efforts women began to receive the respect and honor they deserved.

 

During his tenure as Guru, Amardas made many reforms for the community. They were as follows: one must avoid evil company, one should not be conceited and should not glorify oneself. One should eat and work according to one's capacity. One must give a little of one's earnings in charity. One should associate with virtuous people. Thus, Guru advised clean living, and serving people in a spirit of humility and devotion to God.

 

One day, Bhai Budha felt bad seeing the Guru eat coarse bread, while the people were always feasting on the langar.

 

The Guru replied, Bhai Budha, there is no difference between me and my people. l eat with their mouth whatever you give them.

 

That is my sustenance, and not this coarse bread only. Amardas loved his people and tried very hard to look after them.

 

 

 

Spreading of Fragrance.

 

 Guru Amardas had given authority and power to one hundred and forty-six of his apostles to go to various parts of the country, and spread the message of the Gurus. Out of the which ninety-four were men and fifty-two were women. The women acted as mothers to the orphans and protectors of many poor girls deserted by cruel husbands. Everyone in need and distress called upon them.

 

 

Bibi Bhani

 

 Bibi Bhani was the youngest daughter of Guru Amardas. From her early childhood, she used to recite the Guru's hymns and sit alone in meditation. Later on, she helped in the Guru's kitchen.

 

Even after marriage she looked after the comforts of her father.

 

 

 

Songs for the Lord

 

Guru Amardas contributed nine hundred and seven hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, all of which were written between the age of seventy-three and ninety-five.

 

Guru Armadas’ achievements during his tenure are considerable. By this time the Sikhs had emerged as a distinctive community.

 

The Guru's teachings were as simple as his way of life. The community was delighted to see Guru Nanak's umbrella over Armadas’ head.

 

Dhan Dhan Shri Guru Amar Das ji ????????????

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

 

Note:

Found this lovely piece below, written by  an anonymous  wadbhagee Gursikh on the net , and felt like sharing it with the Sangat here.

 

REWARDS FOR TRUE LOVE

An 8 year old child saw his dad dying and said, "Dad aren't you gonna save me and take me to dargah" (Gods court).
His father said, "A poora (pure) Guru will come and save you in your life. Don't worry!"

109 years later, this child had developed into a Muslim fakeer and was still waiting. He was now aged 117. At Amritvela (1am), he awoke and went to do ishnaan (bathe). He heard a rustling in the bushes. He called, 'Who is there'.

Then he saw a man sitting in the bushes, holding something in his laps. The fakeer asked 'Who are you oh beloved of God? What are you doing here at this time and what are you holding in your laps so preciously?'
The man replied, "My name is Bhai Jetha and I'm holding the pavitar sees (pure head) of my Poora Satguru (Pure True Guru), Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji" (9th Sikh Guru).
The fakeer began to cry and cry uncontrollably. He said to Bhai Jetha, I've waited 109 years to get Darshan (vision) of the Poora Guru and they come to me like this?"
His bairaag (longing) became immense, as he asked Bhai Jetha to rest, while he looked after the sees of Guruji.

From 1am - 5am he did chaur sahib with a peacock feather, crying that he could not speak to Guru. He had so much to ask but was unable to.
At 5am Bhai Jetha awoke and told the Muslim fakeer that he must now leave for Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The fakeer asked, "Is there anyone else in the place of the Poora Guru?"
Bhai Jetha said, "His son Gobind Rai."
The fakeer said, "I am too old to walk there, I am almost bed ridden, please get a message to Guru Ji to come visit me. I will be waiting."
Bhai Jetha agreed and set off.
As he arrived at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh ji did Darshan of the saroop of his father and asked Bhai Jetha, "If there was anything else urgent he needed to tell him." Bhai Jetha remembered and said, "There is an old Muslim fakeer who wants to meet you. He is waiting anxiously to have your Darshan."
Guru sahib made a note. From here, 9 years passed. The Khalsa had just been victorious in the battle of Sri Paonta Sahib (Battle of Bhangani) and at this time Guru sahib was about 19 years old. As they were in the Chandigahr area, Guru sahib remembered that this was where the Muslim fakeer lived, who had been waiting for his Darshan. Guru sahib asked the fauj to leave and 11 Gursikhs came with him. Guru sahib took his shoes off, as a sign of respect. This fakeer was very devoted and had done Darshan and seva of his father Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, so deserves utmost respect. He arrived at the fakeers house. By now he was bed ridden aged 126. The fakeer asked "Who is it?" Guru Sahib replied, "Dass da Naam (servants name is) Gobind Rai. You've been waiting for many years and now I've come."

They entered the small hut and the fakeer fell at the feet of Guru but Guru sahib picked him up and hugged him closely. The fakeers eye brows were so long, he had to hold them up to see out of his eyes. He cried and cried and said "I've been waiting so long for you. I've been dreaming about what you must be like and now you are before me." Guru sahib said, "You showed my father much respect, you did his Darshan and seva (served him) and for that you can ask for whatever you want." The Fakeer asked for a small place in Dargah (true spiritual court), where he could be with Guru. Guru sahib (Bardo Aalam Shah - Ruler of both worlds). Guru Gobind Ji said, "I will give you the whole of Dargah."

So this fakeer is historically now known as Fakeer Dargahe Shah, and his history is linked to a Gurdwara in Chandighar called Gurdwara Nabha Sahib, which marks this historic event.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur also showed respect here to the fakeer, who was beloved to Guru sahib.

This is how we should all serve and truly love our Guru!

Questions are asked, why is Guru sahib not showering his grace on us?

Let's answer the question.

Do we love the Guru as much as the fakeer did?

Do we do as the Guru says?

Do we love God with every breath?

Do we see God in all their creation?

Do we keep the Gurus discipline?

Is our sangat (companions) like minded, God loving?

When it is, we will be rewarded without any discrimination, just as the Fakeer was.

We have to make the effort, no one can do it for us.

Sikhi is very simple, we (our mind) add complications, as we struggle to focus and meditate (jap).

A Sikh´s duty is to unconditionally love Vaheguroo, with every breath. When we become this way, without wanting rewards, it's then Guru Sahib glances his grace!

Guru Ji Says, "Gazing upon the Lord's form of perfect beauty, my hopes have been fulfilled; attaining the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, my hunger has been appeased."

Vaheguroo!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share


  • advertisement_alt
  • advertisement_alt
  • advertisement_alt


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • yeh it's true, we shouldn't be lazy and need to learn jhatka shikaar. It doesn't help some of grew up in surrounding areas like Slough and Southall where everyone thought it was super bad for amrit dharis to eat meat, and they were following Sant babas and jathas, and instead the Singhs should have been normalising jhatka just like the recent world war soldiers did. We are trying to rectifiy this and khalsa should learn jhatka.  But I am just writing about bhog for those that are still learning rehit. As I explained, there are all these negative influences in the panth that talk against rehit, but this shouldn't deter us from taking khanda pahul, no matter what level of rehit we are!
    • How is it going to help? The link is of a Sikh hunter. Fine, but what good does that do the lazy Sikh who ate khulla maas in a restaurant? By the way, for the OP, yes, it's against rehit to eat khulla maas.
    • Yeah, Sikhs should do bhog of food they eat. But the point of bhog is to only do bhog of food which is fit to be presented to Maharaj. It's not maryada to do bhog of khulla maas and pretend it's OK to eat. It's not. Come on, bro, you should know better than to bring this Sakhi into it. Is this Sikh in the restaurant accompanied by Guru Gobind Singh ji? Is he fighting a dharam yudh? Or is he merely filling his belly with the nearest restaurant?  Please don't make a mockery of our puratan Singhs' sacrifices by comparing them to lazy Sikhs who eat khulla maas.
    • Seriously?? The Dhadi is trying to be cute. For those who didn't get it, he said: "Some say Maharaj killed bakras (goats). Some say he cut the heads of the Panj Piyaras. The truth is that they weren't goats. It was she-goats (ਬਕਰੀਆਂ). He jhatka'd she-goats. Not he-goats." Wow. This is possibly the stupidest thing I've ever heard in relation to Sikhi.
    • Instead of a 9 inch or larger kirpan, take a smaller kirpan and put it (without gatra) inside your smaller turban and tie the turban tightly. This keeps a kirpan on your person without interfering with the massage or alarming the masseuse. I'm not talking about a trinket but rather an actual small kirpan that fits in a sheath (you'll have to search to find one). As for ahem, "problems", you could get a male masseuse. I don't know where you are, but in most places there are professional masseuses who actually know what they are doing and can really relieve your muscle pains.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use